One of the things I’ve been asked by students around since the before times has been – Can I be a class buddy? For the post-pandemic comedy babies that have no idea what I’m talking about, the “Class Buddy” system was something I started in my time as Education Director at Philly Improv Theater. Class buddies were, at the time, company members (staff or house team members), that could take or re-take a class at no cost. The buddies would have a few expectations placed on them that mostly boiled down to be a good example as a student and help foster a good vibe in class. As part of our ongoing effort to create ways for people to experience our courses at every income level as well as for us to invest in the broader comedy and arts community and its performers, we are bringing the Class Buddy System to Crossroads!
This program is starting out very small as you might expect since Crossroads itself is quite tiny compared to other theater companies. In the beginning these buddying opportunities will only be open to core level 1 courses and not workshops or electives. Improv 1, Stand-up 1, Storytelling 1, Musical Improv 1, and Sketch Comedy Writing 1 are on the table to start out. In time this may very well be expanded should this program prove successful for us, the class buddies, and the students. Further, these class buddy opportunities are not open to all at the moment.
- Keep the students up to date on shows happening around the city.
- Update students on new class or audition opportunities.
- Help arrange social gatherings and outings to see shows around the city when the interest is there.
- Create a way for the class to keep in contact if they are interested in keeping in touch.
- Help make sure students are where they need to be, specifically during week one of a course.
- If Crossroads has shows during a course, buddies might be asked to work a shift or two if the availability lines up.
- Must have successfully completed at least two core Crossroads Classes in any discipline.
- Must be able to make at least at least seven of eight classes of an eight week course or five of six classes of a six week course.
- Class buddies would also be asked to be a good ambassador for Crossroads online and in person and occasionally share information about the theater when and where it makes sense to do so.
- Be in general good standing in the community and with Crossroads.
For those interested in all the ways we try to make taking classes with Crossroads easy for all income levels and pay schedules, you can check out our Student Aid page. This page includes information about Crossroads Scholarships, Financial Aid, EDU Discount, Double Dip Discount, Class Bundle Discounts, Payment Plans, and more.
